Police Name David Hundeyin, One Other as PIDOM’s Accomplices

The Nigeria Police Force has announced that a discreet investigation has identified investigative journalist David Hundeyin and Michael Alade as accomplices of Bristol Isaac, also known as PIDOMNigeria. PIDOMNigeria faces accusations of leaking classified and restricted documents, fraud, sedition, and tax evasion, among other charges. During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that PIDOM was arrested following a petition from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Adejobi revealed that when operatives from the National Cybercrime Centre attempted to arrest PIDOM at a hotel, he resisted by locking himself in his room, destroying his phone, and flushing it down the toilet in an attempt to destroy evidence. Adejobi explained, “The operatives of the Nigerian Police National Cybercrime Center have apprehended an anonymous hacker in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy, offences against the Official Secrets Act, leakage of classified and restricted documents, acts likely to cause a breach of public peace, sedition, fraud, and tax evasion. The discreet investigation was initiated to identify those responsible for the leaks, leading to the identification of Bristol Isaac, Michael Temidayo Alade, and David Hundeyin as suspects.”

According to Adejobi, the investigation revealed several suspicious activities involving PIDOM and his accomplices. The suspect allegedly raised funds through anonymous means to sponsor cyber terrorism and other related crimes, with forensic analysis of his crypto wallet transactions providing evidence of these activities. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has emphasized the force's commitment to maintaining peace and taking strict actions against individuals or groups threatening national stability. The investigation further revealed that the suspect had illegally accessed restricted police documents and shared sensitive information, including directives from the Office of the Inspector General of Police. This was done to jeopardize Nigeria’s security network. Complaints filed by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation alleged that PIDOMNigeria, using a Twitter handle, published and distributed a restricted document on a sensitive national security matter.

Adejobi stated that the arrest of PIDOM was crucial for protecting national security and maintaining public order. When asked about the status of Hundeyin and Alade, Adejobi suggested that the police are likely working to contact and interrogate them to ensure all those involved in such crimes are held accountable. David Hundeyin had previously raised concerns on X (formerly Twitter) about PIDOM's disappearance, sharing messages from an unidentified associate of PIDOM who informed him about the situation. Image Credit: Getty Images